2011 Draft Interview: Miami CB Brandon Harris

Brandon Harris: I feel my biggest strengths are my versatility as a cornerback. I can play anywhere in the secondary. I can play outside corner, I can play the nickel. There isn’t much I can’t do to help a team win. I am smart, physical and great football knowledge. Good speed and I understand the scheme and know what I need to do and where I have to be on the field.

Scott Porter: What are your goals for the NFL?

Brandon Harris: My goals are to come in my rookie year and work hard to work my way into a starting role by mid-season or no later than seasons end. A goal of mine is to be considered for rookie of the year. Long term I dream of playing in the Pro Bowl and winning a Super Bowl ring. That’s the ultimate goal, to win the ring.

Scott Porter: What factors led to your decision to declare as a Junior?

Brandon Harris: My family was family based. I am very close to my family and this was a decision between all of us. Growing up as a child in my household I always dreamed of playing in the NFL. My family always supported me and they have been a major part of my success so I decided after thinking it over with them. I had to have their ok in order for this to happen. I felt like the time was right and it was time to go make my dream come true. It wasn’t just a dream of mine, it was my families dream. It was a family decision.

Scott Porter: Which CB in the NFL reminds you of yourself and why?
Brandon Harris: I watch and compare myself to Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers. The reason why is because we are very similar in our style and what we bring to an NFL team. Charles can play the slot nickel, outside or wherever you need him on the field. He is great in man to man coverage. He also gives offenses fits because of his ability to blitz and he is great tackler. I am not at his level yet but I feel I have the same abilities as he does and want to get to his level.

Scott Porter: What type of person is an NFL team getting in Brandon Harris?

Brandon Harris: They are getting a leader. They are getting a fully committed individual who will do whatever it takes to help his team be a success. I am all about winning. It’s not all about me, it’s about winning. I have a high character, and I love to win. I will work my butt off to help my team find success.

Scott Porter: What is the toughest part about playing the cornerback position?

Brandon Harris: I think the toughest part would be that you have to be able to move on to the next flight very quickly. That goes both ways. If you give up a big play you have to get over it fast and come out and make up for it because with the CB position you are playing on an island, if you’re going to keep a mistake in your memory you are likely to keep making mistakes because it got to your head. You can’t dwell on it, it’s over and you move on. It also goes the other way in terms that if you make an INT or a big play you can’t settle for it because you have to come right back and do it again. You have to move on both ways. You can’t get excited and you can’t let yourself stay down.

Scott Porter: What will you miss most about college football?

Brandon Harris: I will miss running out the tunnel into the famous Miami Hurricanes smoke at home games. Also, I will miss playing with my teammates that I grew up with outside of football. These guys are my best friends, and they have always been here for me. I will miss hanging out with them outside of football. I made a lot of special friendships here.

Scott Porter: How would you describe your style of play?

Brandon Harris: I’ve been called a student of the game by many. I am very athletic, and QB’s often tell me I out smart them after a game. I am good at adjusting to different styles depending on who we play and my matchup for that game. It all depends on who we play as to what style I use. I play with different styles. Teams will break me down on film but what you see on film and what I do on the field can often be way different because there is so much I can do. I am smart/athletic and can do a variety of things including excelling in press coverage, tackle well. I feel I am a well -rounded cornerback who has great man to man coverage skills.

Scott Porter: What are your hobbies off the field?

Brandon Harris: Going out to eat and to the movies. Hanging out with the boys is always something I enjoy away from the field. At Miami we do a lot of activities away from the field in our time off. We do a lot of camps; we make a lot of food arrangements with people who don’t have the same opportunities we have. I like to help in the community and give back. A lot of us know what it is like growing up without some of these opportunities so we like to give back. I like to motivate kids and visit schools from all over to reach out to kids and have an influence in their lives.

Scott Porter: What are you looking forward to the most about your opportunity in the NFL?

Brandon Harris: Playing against lot of guys that I have watched and admitted over the years. Depending on the team I go to I will be playing with a lot of guys I admired for many of years. It will be an awesome experience. I am just looking forward to landing on a team and meeting and playing with guys I have grown up admiring and watching.